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Nicolet Summit

FTIR Spectrometer

USER GUIDE
269-334402 Revision B April 2021

© 2020 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.


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The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information
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For Research Use Only. This instrument or accessory is not a medical device and is not
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WARNING

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atmosphere.
Contents
Welcome 1
Conventions Used 2
Ordering Parts 3
Contacting Us 3

Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer 5


Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives 6
Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer 9
Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer 15
Back up and Recover Your Data 22
Connect an External Monitor 28
Install a Sampling Accessory 29
Understand the Spectrometer LightBar 35
View Your Data with the OMNIC Anywhere App 38

Options and Accessories 39


Sampling Accessories for the Summit Spectrometer 40
Install and Maintain a Purge Kit 43

Maintenance 53
Maintenance Schedule for the Summit Spectrometer 54
Align the Spectrometer Optics 57
Calibrate the Laser Frequency 58
Clean the Spectrometer and Touchscreen 59
Replace the Desiccant 61
Replace the Source 67
Install the Touchscreen Monitor 72
Replace the Sample Compartment Windows 80
Chapter 1

Welcome
The Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer lets you
perform chemical analyses of sample materials by collecting data in the mid-IR spectral range using
a variety of accessories. The system has integrated verification features, a powerful software suite,
and many other features that make data collection easy. You can install optional hardware and
perform several service and maintenance procedures yourself. This document, or other provided
documentation, contains the information you need.

Be sure to read the safety guide that came with the system before operating the instrument.

Note We recommend that you maintain seal and desiccation and/or purge your instrument at all
times. Equipment damage due to failure to maintain seal and desiccation and/or purge is not
covered by the warranty. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact us.

Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide 1


Welcome

Conventions Used
Safety precautions and other important information use the following format:

DANGER

Avoid hazard. Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will


result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

Avoid hazard. Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,


could result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION

Avoid hazard. Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,


could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE
Follow instructions with this label to avoid damaging the system hardware or losing data.

Note Contains helpful supplementary information.

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Welcome

Ordering Parts
To order parts, contact us.

If you need to send the instrument or an accessory to us for repair, call or e-mail us first for any
shipping requirements or other instructions.

Contacting Us
For Technical Support, please contact: www.thermofisher.com

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Chapter 2

Get Started with Your Nicolet


Summit Spectrometer
To get started with your new Nicolet Summit Spectrometer, review the site and safety requirements
before the instrument arrives, unpack and setup the instrument, and connect any additional
accessories.

Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives 6

Personal Safety with the Summit Spectrometer 9

Unpack and Get Started with the Spectrometer 15

Back up and Recover Your Data 22

Connect an External Monitor 28

Install a Sampling Accessory 29

Understand the Spectrometer LightBar 35

View Your Data with the OMNIC Anywhere App 38

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Before Your Summit Spectrometer Arrives


Prepare a suitable workspace for your spectrometer before it arrives to ensure the most accurate
data and the best long-term performance.

This article explains what to do when your spectrometer arrives and introduces environmental and
electrical factors that can influence your spectrometer’s performance. For a more comprehensive
explanation of these requirements, see the Site and Safety Information for the spectrometer.

Unpacking the Spectrometer


Before you open the box, there are two important steps to take as soon as the instrument arrives:

l Check the exterior of the shipping box for damage

If you notice any signs of damage, contact us or your local distributor for instructions.

l Allow the spectrometer to come to room temperature

Inside the shipping box, the spectrometer is sealed in a plastic bag to keep it dry. You must allow
24 hours for the spectrometer to reach room temperature before you open the bag. If you
open the bag before the spectrometer is warmed up, condensation could form that could damage
internal optical components and cause permanent damage.

The warranty will not cover damage due to improper moving techniques or removing the sealed
plastic bag before the instrument has come to room temperature.

Preparing the Workspace


Before your instrument arrives, make sure your workspace will be able to properly support the
spectrometer. In addition to allowing enough room for the spectrometer, consider several
environmental and electrical requirements.

Spectrometer Dimensions
The Summit spectrometer requires a fairly small space, but make sure you also leave room around
the instrument so that heat can dissipate from the vents and so that you can easily access the
instrument’s ports, power button, and cables.

l Summit instrument weight: 10.9 Kg (24 lbs)

l Summit instrument weight with touchscreen option: 12.6 Kg (27.8 lbs)

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l Dimensions (W x H x D): 34 cm x 24 cm x 32 cm; (13.3 in. x 9.6 in. x 12.7 in.)

l Dimensions with touch screen display option (W x H x D):

n 53 cm x 43 cm x 32 cm; (20.8 in. x 17.0 in. x 12.7 in.)

Environmental Factors
The Summit spectrometer is a robust instrument designed to be used in many environments.
However, for best performance, keep it in a relatively dust-free and low-humidity environment. The
spectrometer operates reliably at temperatures between 15 and 35 °C, but for optimal performance
should be kept between 20 and 22 °C.

Humidity can cause condensation to form inside the instrument, which could damage internal
components. A few precautions can typically protect your instrument from humidity:

l Maintain the instrument’s desiccant, including while the instrument is in storage.

l Avoid rapid changes in temperature.

n Keep the instrument away from sources of cool or hot air, such as near heating and air con-
ditioning vents or large windows.

If your spectrometer will be kept in an especially humid environment, consider installing a purge gas
kit.

Electrical Requirements
Power supplied to the spectrometer must be from dedicated, uninterrupted sources and free from the
following issues:

l Voltage dropouts

l Transient spikes

l Frequency shifts

l Other line disturbances

If you suspect problems with your power, we recommend a power quality audit. Contact us or your
local electrical authority for more information.

Electrical Service Specifications


The following table lists specifications for electrical service. Contact our service representative in
your area if you have questions about the requirements.

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Requirements Specification

Input Current 1.5 A Max

Input Voltage 100 to 240 VAC

Line Frequency 50 to 60

Sags, surges, or other line disturbances must not exceed 10% of input
Line Disturbances
voltage

Less than 2 V (common mode)


Noise
Less than 20 V (normal mode)

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Personal Safety with the Summit


Spectrometer
While the Nicolet Summit Spectrometer is designed to be a safe instrument, you should take a few
precautions to protect yourself from potential hazards that can arise during normal use and
maintenance.

CAUTION

This guide is an introduction to potential dangers that you should be


aware of, but it is not a comprehensive guide. Before using the instru-
ment, see the Site and Safety Information for the spectrometer for a full
description of these potential hazards.

Potential Hazards during Normal Use


During normal use, most hazards are due to following sources:

l Potentially hazardous samples and solvents

l Exposure to zinc selenide (ZnSe)

l Parts of the spectrometer that are hot or emit heat

l The instrument’s laser

You can avoid possibly harming yourself or damaging the instrument by understanding potential
hazards and by taking a few precautions.

Hazardous Samples and Solvents


Take special precautions if you are using or plan to measure potentially hazardous samples or
solvents, such as pressurized gases or corrosive or flammable solvents.

USE PROPER VENTILATION

There are no special ventilation requirements for your spectrometer, but you may need additional
ventilation during certain types of analysis. Ensure that you have proper ventilation if you will be
analyzing highly toxic samples, dissolving your samples in solvents that may interact with the infrared
source, or sampling flammable gases.

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The pyrolysis of solvents containing halogenated hydrocarbons may produce hydrochloric acid (HCl),
hydroflouric acic (HF), or phosgene (COCl2).

WARNING

Avoid toxic inhalation. Hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and phos-


gene are highly toxic. If you are using solvents containing halogenated
hydrocarbons, ensure your work area is properly ventilated.

VOLATILE AND FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS

The infrared source inside the spectrometer can ignite flammable and volatile samples and solvents.
Take the following actions when working with samples and solvents that are flammable:

l Work with the sample compartment windows installed.

l Ensure that the workspace is properly ventilated with an active venting system that is free of
spark or other sources of ignition and that prevents flammable vapors from collecting in the atmo-
sphere surrounding the instrument.

l Do not leave flammable solvents or samples near the instrument.

l Do not leave flammable solvents or samples in the sample compartment for longer than neces-
sary.

l Purge the spectrometer with clean, dry air or nitrogen.

CORROSIVE SOLVENTS

Solvents that produce HCl or HF vapors in the sample compartment may severely damage the
system. If you are using halogenated solvents, purge the instrument with clean, dry air or nitrogen.

NOTICE
Your warranty does not cover equipment damage that is due to a failure to purge the instrument.

HCl and HF vapors may also compromise the coating of KBr sample compartment windows. If you
are planning to work with corrosive solvents regularly, consider installing ZnSe sample compartment
windows, instead.

BIOHAZARD OR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND INFECTIOUS AGENTS

Biological samples, such as tissues, body fluids, infectious agents, and blood, have the potential to
transmit infectious diseases. Follow your organization’s Biosafety Program protocols for working with
potentially infectious materials.

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Toxic Materials
The Nicolet Summit OA spectrometer includes a zinc selenide (ZnSe) ATR Crystal, and other Summit
instruments may use the optional ZnSe sample compartment windows.

WARNING

Avoid toxic inhalation and ingestion.

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) is toxic. Refer to the manufacturer's ZnSe Safety Data
Sheet at www.specac.com for handling and exposure controls.

Sources of Heat
Parts of the spectrometer can become quite hot during normal use. Be careful around the
spectrometer’s infrared source and the vents.

Figure 2-1: Take care around the instrument’s infrared source and the vents

The outward facing surface of the infrared source is located on the bottom of the instrument and can
become quite hot. Do not touch the underside of the instrument during operation or shortly after use.

The spectrometer’s vent is located on the left side of the instrument. During normal use, the
spectrometer dissipates hot air from internal components to the area outside the spectrometer
through these vents. Leave enough space around the instrument vents for hot air to dissipate.

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Laser and Optical Safety


You will never be exposed to unsafe levels of laser radiation during normal use of the spectrometer. If
the cover is removed during a service procedure, you may need to take special precautions, such as
using protective eyewear. Your service person will notify you if this is necessary.

WARNING
Avoid personal injury.

Never stare into the laser beam or at its reflection. Never tamper with the laser,
even if you are replacing a defective laser, or you could be exposed to laser
light or to high voltage.

Potential Hazards during Maintenance


You may be exposed to different hazards while performing maintenance on the instrument than you
would encounter during normal use. During maintenance, the primary hazards involve purging the
instrument and working with the instrument’s internal components.

Purging the Instrument


In especially humid environments, we recommend installing a source of clean, dry air or nitrogen to
purge the spectrometer. Purging the instrument can help protect internal optical components from
damage caused by a moist environment or corrosive solvents, and it can ensure more accurate
results.

See "Install and Maintain a Purge Kit" for details on purchasing and installing a purge kit for your
spectrometer.

DANGER
Avoid fire and explosion hazard.
l Use only dried air or nitrogen to purge your spectrometer.

l Never use a flammable, combustible, or toxic gas to purge this instrument.


The purge gas must be free of oil and other reactive materials. Heat from
the source or from laser absorption may ignite flammable gases or reactive
materials in the purge gas.

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Working with Internal Components


Typically, there should be no reason for you to remove the instrument cover or attempt to replace
internal components. However, if you need to remove the cover for maintenance, be aware that you
risk being shocked, burned, and exposed to laser light.

CAUTION
Avoid shock hazard.

Even after this instrument has been disconnected from all voltage sources,
capacitors may remain charged for up to 30 seconds and can cause an
electrical shock.

CAUTION
Avoid burn hazard.

Internal components, especially the infrared source, can become extremely


hot during normal operation. Turn off the instrument and wait at least 10
minutes before replacing any components.

WARNING
Avoid personal injury.

l Never stare into the laser beam or at its reflection. Never tamper with the
laser. You could be exposed to laser light or high voltage.

l If you adjust the laser or perform procedures that are not described in the
user guides and manuals, you could be exposed to hazardous radiation.

REPLACING THE DESICCANT

When you open the desiccant compartment, you must prevent flammable liquids or gases from
entering the compartment. For instructions on changing the desiccant, see "Replace the Desiccant".

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DANGER
Avoid explosion hazard.

Before you open the desiccant compartment, turn off the instrument power,
unplug the power cord and remove all accessories and samples from the
system. Entry of flammable liquids or gases into the desiccant compartment
could cause an explosion. If such entry occurs, contact us immediately and do
not apply power to the instrument until the condition has been corrected.

REPLACING THE IR SOURCE

The IR source becomes extremely hot during use. If you need to replace the IR source, avoid burn
and explosion hazards.

CAUTION
Avoid burn hazard.

The source becomes extremely hot during normal use. Always allow the
source to cool for at least 10 minutes after the spectrometer is turned off before
you work with the source.

DANGER
Avoid explosion hazard.

Before you remove the source from the spectrometer, turn off the instrument
power, unplug the power cord, disconnect any purge lines, and remove all
accessories and samples from the system. Entry of flammable liquids or gases
into the source compartment could cause an explosion. If such entry occurs,
contact us immediately and do not apply power to the instrument until the
condition has been corrected.

Summary
The Nicolet Summit spectrometer is a safe and rugged instrument, but you can be exposed to
hazards during use and maintenance. During normal operation, use caution when handling
potentially hazardous samples and solvents and avoid parts of the spectrometer that are hot or emit
heat. During maintenance, take precautions to avoid harm or damage that could occur when purging
the instrument, handling internal components, or changing the desiccant.

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Unpack and Get Started with the


Spectrometer
Unpacking and setting up your Thermo ScientificNicolet SummitSpectrometer requires you to place
the instrument in your workspace, to connect and power on the spectrometer, and to run a short
performance test.

Before You Begin


Wait 24 hours before taking the spectrometer out of its plastic shipping bag to prevent condensation
from forming that can damage internal optics. The warranty will not cover damage due to opening the
sealed plastic bag before the instrument has come to room temperature.

Reminder: Review the spectrometer's Site and Safety Information to ensure that the workspace is
safe and suitable for the instrument.

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What’s in the Box?


The Summit spectrometer comes with several accessories and options. The following image shows
what comes with your spectrometer, including many optional add-ons.

7. Purge kit
1. Summit or Summit PRO Spectrometer
8. Wireless keyboard and mouse (not
2. Power cord
shown: USB extension cable)
3. Ethernet cable
9. Mini DisplayPort cable (included
with the optional 22” high-definition
OPTIONAL
monitor)
4. Everest ATR Accessory
10. Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
5. Touchscreen monitor
11. WiFi access dongle (comes pre-
6. ZnSe window replacement kit, installed if purchased)
including window replacement tool and
Not shown: Optional 22” High-
nitrile gloves
Definition Monitor

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Unpacking and Setup


The steps for unpacking and setting up your spectrometer vary somewhat depending on the options
you purchased.

1. Unpack the shipping box

Remove the spectrometer from the shipping box and bag and remove additional packing
materials.

NOTICE

Use care when lifting the spectrometer.

l Do not grasp the touchscreen monitor to lift the spectrometer.

l Do not touch the sample compartment windows while unpacking the instrument. Touching
the windows could cause permanent damage.

2. Set up the monitor.

If you have the attached touchscreen monitor, grasp the monitor by the sides and position it to
face the front of the instrument.

If you are using an external monitor, connect the monitor to the spectrometer using the Mini
DisplayPort. If you are also using the optional wireless mouse and keyboard, use the provided
USB extension cable to position the wireless receiver farther from the USB inputs.

Note Some USB and Mini DisplayPort devices are known to interfere with the signal from
wireless USB devices, such as wireless keyboards and mice. If you notice performance issues
with your wireless keyboard and mouse, such as lag or delayed or missed input, use the

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provided USB extension cable to position the wireless USB receiver farther from the USB
ports.

3. (Optional) Replace the sample compartment windows.

If you purchased the ZnSe windows option, replace the windows. For instructions on replacing
the windows, see Replace the Sample Compartment Windows.

4. Turn on the spectrometer.

NOTICE

You must create a new password the first time you power on the spectrometer. If this password
is lost or forgotten, all data saved on the spectrometer will be unrecoverable. It is recommended
that you leave the password blank during initial setup and later create a secure password and
additional user accounts as needed.

a. Connect the power supply to the spectrometer and to a properly grounded AC power source.

b. Press the instrument's power button to turn on the spectrometer. The spectrometer's LightBar
will display a cycling green light while the instrument warms up and will show a solid green bar
when the instrument is ready for use.

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5. Verify the spectrometer’s performance.

Before taking the following steps, make sure there is not a sampling accessory in the sampling
compartment.

a. Launch the Thermo ScientificOMNIC Paradigm software. The first time the software starts, it
will open with the touchscreen interface. Later, you can switch between teh touchscreen and
desktop interfaces.

The software may take several minutes to start and to connect to the instrument. The software
displays the connection status in the upper right corner of the screen. When the status shows
you are connected, proceed to the next step.

b. Align the spectrometer optics.

i. Touch the diagnostics icon [ ] to open the instrument diagnostics.

ii. Navigate to the Align tab and touch Align. The alignment process may take several
minutes to complete.

c. Calibrate the laser.

Navigate to the Laser Calibration tab and touch calibrate. Laser calibration may take several
minutes to complete. When calibration is finished, the display shows "Measurement
complete" and indicates any change in laser frequency.

The instrument takes up to 12 hours to come to thermal equilibrium. For best results, re-run steps
b and c after the first 12 hours of operation.

d. Run thet Nicolet FTIR – Factory Qualification workflow. Performance verification and
qualification workflows use a polystyrene reference material inside the spectrometer to run a
series of standard tests to verify your instrument operation and to ensure the accuracy of your
data.

i. Return to the Home screen.

ii. Navigate to the Workflows tab and select Nicolet FTIR - Factory Qualification.

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iii. To run the workflow, touch the Run icon and follow the on-screen prompts.

For more on performance verification and qualification workflows, see Qualify Your
Spectrometer.

6. Insert a sampling accessory.

To install the optional Everest ATR accessory or iD1 Transmission accessory, grasp the
accessory by the front and rear handholds and lower the accessory onto the spectrometer.
Sampling accessories fit over two alignment pins on the spectrometer baseplate and are held in
place by strong magnets.

l For details on installing an accessory, see Install a Sampling Accessory.

l For details on using the Everest ATR accessory, see Sampling Accessories.

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Next Steps
Congratulations! Your instrument is ready for use. However, before you start collecting data, back up
your system and create a recovery drive to protect your system from potential problems in the future.
Windows 10 includes several built-in tools for backing up and recovering your data.

For instructions on creating a recovery drive and system image and on restoring your system, see
"Back up and Recover Your Data" .

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Back up and Recover Your Data


Before you start collecting data, you should take a few precautionary steps to protect your system
from potential problems in the future. Windows 10 includes several built-in tools for backing up and
recovering your data.

IMPORTANT! To ensure that you can recover any data in the event of damage to the hard drive or
operating system, create recovery media, create a system image, and establish procedures for
backing up your data.

Create a Recovery Drive


Create a recovery drive so that you can access advanced startup options in Windows 10—such as
System Image Recovery, System Restore, and Startup Settings—even if your installation of Windows
becomes damaged.

Required Materials

l FAT32 formatted flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage

NOTICE
Everything on the drive will be deleted during this process. Before you proceed, make sure you
have backed up any files you wish keep.

❖ To create a recovery drive

1. Insert the flash drive in one of the USB ports on the side of the spectrometer.

2. In the Windows 10 search box in the taskbar, search for “Create Recovery Drive” and select
Create Recovery Drive.

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3. When asked to allow changes to your device, select Yes.

4. De-select “Back up system files to the recovery drive” and click Next.

5. Select your drive from list of available drives and click Next.

6. Click Create. When the process is finished, click Finish to close the window.

7. Safely remove the flash drive and store it in a safe place. It’s a good idea to label the drive as Sum-
mit Recovery Drive.

For more on creating recovery media, see Microsoft’s online help.

Create a System Image


A system image is a snapshot of your entire system, including your data and files, installed
applications, and other settings. In case of complete hard drive or operating system failure, you can
use the system image to restore your device to the state it was in when the image was created. It is
up to you how often you want to update the system image, but it’s a good idea to keep an image of a
clean installation from the first time you set up your instrument.

Depending on how much data you copy to the system image, the process may take a while. If you are
copying a large amount of data, it may take more than an hour for the process to complete.

Required Materials

l NTFS formatted SSD

❖ To create a system image

1. Connect your SSD to one of the spectrometer’s USB ports.

2. In Windows 10, open the Control Panel and select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

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3. In the left panel, select Create a system image.

4. Select On a hard disk and select your SSD from the list. Click Next.

5. Confirm the backup settings and click Start backup.

6. When asked “Do you want to create a system repair disc,” click No.

7. Click Close and safely remove the SSD from the Summit. Label the drive as Summit Recovery
and store it in safe place.

Restore Your System


In case of operating system failure, use your recovery drive and system image to restore your
system.

Required materials

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l USB recovery drive

l SSD with your system image

❖ To restore your system using the recovery drive and system image

1. Turn off the Summit spectrometer.

2. Connect an external keyboard to one of the Summit spectrometer’s USB ports.

3. Connect the USB recovery drive to one of the USB ports.

4. Turn the system on.

5. When the screen shows the Thermo Scientific splash screen, tap “Esc” on the keyboard several
times to open the system BIOS.

If a popup dialog shows “Quit Without Saving?” use the arrow keys to select No.

6. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the Save & Exit tab.

7. Navigate to the Boot Override section and select your recovery flash drive. Hit Enter to boot to the
recovery image.

8. When the “Choose your keyboard layout” screen appears, remove the recovery flash drive from
the USB port and insert the system image SSD.

9. Select your preferred keyboard layout.

10. In the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot.

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11. Select Advanced options.

12. Under Advanced options, select System Image Recovery.

13. Select Windows 10 as the target operating system.

14. In the “Select a system image backup” window, use the latest available system image or select
another system image. Click Next.

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15. Click Next to leave additional restore options in their default state, and click Finish to restore the
system image. Click Yes to confirm.

Restoring takes about 15 minutes, and the system will automatically reboot when complete.

When the system is back on, safely remove the SSD from the spectrometer and store both the
recovery drive and system image SSD in a safe place.

For information on restoring the system to the image, see Microsoft’s online help.

Back Up Your System Data


In addition to creating recovery media and a system image, you should regularly back up your data.
Windows 10 features several options for backing up files, including the File History tool. The
information technology (IT) personnel at your organization should determine which backup methods
are best for your organization’s needs.

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Connect an External Monitor


OMNIC Paradigm Software comes pre-installed on the Nicolet™ Summit and Summit PRO
spectrometers, so all you need to start working is a monitor. Use the optional touchscreen or connect
to an external monitor.

Connecting to an external monitor with the Mini DisplayPort gives you added flexibility. Connect a
USB mouse and keyboard when using OMNIC Paradigm software for desktop.

❖ To connect to an external monitor

1. Connect a Mini DisplayPort cable to the Mini DisplayPort input on the spectrometer.

A Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable is provided when you purchase a monitor with your
Summit spectrometer.

Note Some USB and Mini DisplayPort devices are known to interfere with the signal from
wireless USB devices, such as wireless keyboards and mice. If you notice performance issues
with your wireless keyboard and mouse, such as lag or delayed or missed input, use the
provided USB extension cable to position the wireless USB receiver farther from the USB
ports.

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Install a Sampling Accessory


The Nicolet Summit Spectrometer accommodates a wide variety of sampling accessories, including
integrated accessories and those that require additional adapters.

Integrated accessories and baseplates are easy to install and remove and are recognized
automatically by OMNIC Paradigm software.

Installing Integrated Accessories


Integrated accessories such as the Thermo Scientific™ Everest™ ATR Accessory fit over two
alignment pins on the spectrometer baseplate and are held in place by magnets.

Figure 2-2: Location of alignment pins and magnets shown on a Nicolet Summit.

1. Pins

2. Magnets

3. Tapped holes

❖ To install an integrated accessory

1. Hold the accessory by the front and rear handles and lower it into the spectrometer sample
compartment. Magnets hold the accessory in place.

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Figure 2-3: Lowering an accessory into place on a Nicolet Summit PRO.

2. If you are purging your instrument, attach the purge line labeled “To accessory” to the purge inlet
on the back of the accessory. See "Install and Maintain a Purge Kit" for more information.

Note To remove an accessory, disconnect the purge line if necessary and then grasp the
accessory by the handles and lift it up. When not using an accessory, store it in a dust-free
environment, such as a cabinet or box.

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Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

Installing Baseplate-mounted Accessories


The iD Base Adapter accommodates a wide variety of accessories for FTIR sampling, including large
transmission accessories and other specialized accessories.

Note Avoid installing the iD Base Adapter without an attached accessory. Very strong magnets
hold the adapter in place; you may need to use a tool to pry it free.

For slide-mounted accessories that are too big for the iD1 Transmission Accessory, a slide mount
that fits the iD base is available.

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Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

The iD Base Adapter has two sets of screw holes so the slide mount can be installed facing either
direction. To install the slide mount, position it over the screw holes, and then insert and tighten the
two washers and screws.

Use the height adjustment screw to raise or lower a sample or accessory to align it in the infrared
beam.

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Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

❖ To install an accessory using the iD Base Adapter

1. Attach the accessory to the iD Base Adapter.

2. Place the iD Base Adapter on the two pins in the spectrometer baseplate. Strong magnets hold
the adapter and accessory in place.

3. Some specialized baseplate-mounted accessories are secured to the instrument using 4 screws
supplied with the accessory.

Installing Slide-mounted Accessories


The iD1 Transmission accessory is designed to accommodate gas or liquid transmission cells and
thin film or pellet holders that have a 2” X 3” slide mount.

❖ To install a slide-mounted accessory

1. Slide the accessory into one pair of slots in the iD1 Transmission Accessory.

Choose a pair of slots that will place the center of the accessory at the beam focus (designated by

Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide 33


Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

arrow heads on the accessory housing).

34 Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide Thermo Scientific


Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

Understand the Spectrometer LightBar


The Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Spectrometer features a convenient LightBar that gives you a
quick, visual pass/fail indication of product quality and instrument status at a glance.

The following tables describes all of the LightBar’s signals.

WARMING UP

Signal System Status Description

Green Cycle
System is on Green light moves from left to
and warming up right repeatedly. Warm-up time is
approximately 2 minutes.

TRADITIONAL COLLECTION

Signal System Status Description

Solid Green

The full LightBar displays solid


Ready for use
green

Green Comet

Small section of green light


Collecting data
bounces back and forth

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Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

SMART COLLECTION

Signal System Status Description

Blue Pulse
Collecting
Smart Full LightBar pulses blue
Background

Blue Comet
Collecting
Small section of blue light bounces
sample data
back and forth
(user initiated)

ANALYSIS RESULTS

Signal System Status Description

Green % Fill
Match value or Green fill to reflect match value.
QCheck result For example, fills approximately
above threshold 90% for a match value of 90.

Orange % Fill
Match value or Orange fill to reflect match value.
QCheck result For example, fills approximately
below threshold 30% for a match value of 30.

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Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

DIAGNOSTICS

Signal System Status Description

Red Flash
Full LightBar flashes red. See
System Status in OMNIC
System error
Paradigm software for a
description of the error.

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Get Started with Your Nicolet Summit Spectrometer

View Your Data with the OMNIC Anywhere


App
OMNIC Anywhere is a cloud-based application that allows you to view, explore, or share your data
from a connected PC, Apple computer, Android or iOS device.

Figure 1. OMNIC Anywhere in the web browser

With a Nicolet Summit spectrometer and a free Connect account, measure samples in the classroom
or lab, upload the data to your Connect account, and view, explore, or share the data on another
device in your dorm or workspace.

For instructions on creating a Connect account and viewing your data with OMNIC Anywhere, visit
“Cloud-enabled FTIR Spectroscopy”.

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Chapter 3

Options and Accessories


The Nicolet Summit can be used with the optional purge kit and is compatible with a wide range of
sampling accessories.

Sampling Accessories for the Summit Spectrometer 40

Install and Maintain a Purge Kit 43

Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide 39


Options and Accessories

Sampling Accessories for the Summit


Spectrometer
The Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit FTIR spectrometers are compatible with Thermo Scientific™
Nicolet™ iS5 iD sampling accessories and hundreds of other third-party accessories.

For instructions on installing a sampling accessory, see "Sampling Accessories for the Summit
Spectrometer"

With the following accessories and adapters, the Summit spectrometer can quickly and easily
measure a wide range of samples.

EVEREST ATR ACCESSORY

The Everest™ ATR accessory is a high-performance, versatile single-bounce attenuated total


reflectance accessory and is ideal for analyzing liquids, solids, pastes, or powders. The Everest ATR
accessory was specifically designed to fit Summit spectrometers.

Contact us for more information.

ID1 TRANSMISSION ACCESSORY

The iD1 Transmission accessory is convenient for sampling films, pellets, liquids, and gases and fits
a wide range of transmission accessories. The sample compartment fits gas cells and cuvettes up to
10 cm.

Contact us for more information.

40 Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide Thermo Scientific


Options and Accessories

ID5/ID7 ATR ACCESSORIES

The iD5 and iD7 ATR accessories—designed for the Nicolet iS™5 spectrometer—are alternatives to
the Everest ATR accessory. While these ATR accessories are excellent multi-purpose accessories,
the Everest ATR accessory is recommend for use with Summit spectrometers.

For details, see “iD5 ATR Accessory for the Nicolet™ iS5 Spectrometer.” or “iD7 ATR Accessory for
the Nicolet™ iS5 Spectrometer.”

ID BASE ADAPTER PLATE

The iD Base Adapter accommodates a wide variety of third-party accessories for FTIR sampling,
including large transmission accessories and other specialized accessories. Pair the iD Base
Adapter with the slide mount sample holder for even more options.

For details, see “iD Base Adapter.”

SLIDE MOUNT SAMPLE HOLDER

Pair a slide mount sample holder with the iD Base adapter to use slide-mounted accessories that are
too large for the iD1 Transmission accessory.

Contact us for more information.

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Options and Accessories

GOLDEN GATE ATR ACCESSORY

The Golden Gate ATR accessory features a sapphire anvil for high pressure contact and a rugged
exterior, allowing you to analyze a range of samples, from single particles and fibers or hard solids to
corrosive liquids. The Golden Gate ATR accessory is also ideal for macro sampling.

For details, see “Thermo Scientific™ Golden Gate ATR for Nicolet iS5 FTIR Spectrometer.”

42 Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide Thermo Scientific


Options and Accessories

Install and Maintain a Purge Kit


Purging the spectrometer with dry air or nitrogen protects the internal components from moisture and
other environmental contaminants. Installing the purge kit requires you to assemble the valves and
regulators, replace the desiccant cartridge, connect the purge gas, and set the pressure and flow
rate.

WARNING
Avoid explosion hazard

Never use a flammable, combustible, or toxic gas to purge this instrument. The
purge gas must be free of oil and other reactive materials. Heat from the
source or from laser absorption may ignite flammable gases or reactive
materials in purge gas. Use only dried air or nitrogen to purge your instrument.

NOTICE
We recommend maintaining the seal and desiccating and/or purging the instrument at all times.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by a failure to properly desiccate or purge the
instrument. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact us.

SETUP NEEDED

Before installing the purge kit, you will need a source of dry air or nitrogen that meets Thermo
Scientific specifications for the Nicolet™ Summit Spectrometer. See the instrument’s Site and Safety
guide for details.

Note For best results, dry the purge gas to a dew point of -70 °C (-94 °F) or below.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Your purge kit includes the following:

l Dual zone purge manifold

l Purge desiccant assembly, with purge desiccant cartridge and O-ring

In addition to the purge kit, you will need the following tools and materials:

l 3/4-inch open-ended wrench

l 11/16-inch open-ended wrench

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Options and Accessories

l #2 Phillips head screwdriver

l Thread seal tape (“plumber’s tape” or “Teflon tape”)

❖ To install a purge kit

1. Attach the plumbing assembly to the purge gas source.

a. Install the regulator valve and either a 1/4-inch male fitting or a 3/8-inch female fitting on the
purge gas source. (Choose a valve and fittings that are appropriate for the purge gas source.)

b. If you used a 1/4-inch male fitting, proceed to the next step.

If you used a 3/8-inch female fitting on the purge gas source, install the 3/8-inch to 1/4-inch
reducing nipple that was included with your purge kit. Wrap the reducing nipple with thread
seal tape before you install it, and use an 11/16-inch open-ended wrench to tighten the
connection.

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Options and Accessories

c. Wrap the reducing nipple or the 1/4-inch male fitting with thread seal tape, and then install the
pressure coupling. Use a 3/4-inch open-ended wrench to tighten the connection.

d. Snap the male inlet of the wall plumbing assembly firmly into the quick release fitting.

1. To accessory

2. To spectrometer

3. Flowmeter

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Options and Accessories

4. Pressure regulator

5. Quick release fitting

6. Wall plumbing assembly

2. Replace the desiccant cartridge.

a. Turn off the instrument power, unplug the power cord, and remove all accessories and
samples from the system.

WARNING

Avoid explosion hazard.

Before opening the desiccant compartment, turn off the instrument


power, unplug the power cord and remove all accessories and samples
from the system. Entry of flammable liquids or gases into the desiccant
compartment is an explosion hazard. If such entry occurs, contact us
immediately and do not apply power to the instrument until the
condition has been corrected.

b. Loosen the two captive Phillips head screws from the standard desiccant cartridge, and lift the
cartridge straight up and out of the instrument.

Note If the standard desiccant cartridge is stored in a dry box or sealed bag (you can use
the bag the purge cartridge came in), the cartridge can be reused.

c. Remove and discard the large O-ring.

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Options and Accessories

d. Open the purge kit and the sealed desiccant packet.

e. Remove the O-ring from the packet and install it on the instrument base plate (see previous
image). Press (rather than roll) the new O-ring into place to be sure it is properly seated in the
groove.

f. Remove the desiccant cartridge with purge fittings from the packet, insert the cartridge in the
desiccant compartment, ensure that it is seated properly over the O-ring, and then secure it
using the two screws.

Note the correct orientation of the cartridge. You should be able to read the label on the
cartridge from the front of the instrument when the cartridge is installed.

1. Purge inlet

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Options and Accessories

2. Relief valve

3. Purge dessiccant cartridge

3. Connect the purge gas source to the instrument.

a. Connect the flow coupler from the wall plumbing assembly (labeled “to spectrometer”) to the
purge inlet on the desiccant cartridge.

b. Install any sampling accessory you removed previously.

c. If you are purging the accessory, connect the straight flow coupler from the plumbing
assembly (labeled “to accessory”) to the purge inlet on the installed accessory.

4. Set the purge gas controls.

a. Open the main regulator valve and set the purge gas controls as indicated below (see Setting
the Purge Gas Controls for details). If you are not purging the accessory, set the pressure
regulator for accessories to zero.

Pressure
Hardware Flow Rate (scfh)
(psig)

Summit Spectrometer 5 1

Everest Accessory 5 4-10

iD1 Transmission
5 4-10
Accessory

iD3 ATR Accessory 5 4-10

iD5 ATR Accessory 5 4-10

iD7 ATR Accessory 5 4-10

iD Foundation 5 4-10

b. Plug in the power cord to the instrument and turn on the power.

c. Wait 30 - 60 minutes for the instrument to fully purge.

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Options and Accessories

Set Purge Gas Controls


Correctly setting your purge gas controls will protect your spectrometer from humidity without
introducing vibration.

For best results, the purge gas should be dried to a dew point of -70 °C (-94 °F) or below.

❖ To set the purge gas controls

1. Open the main valve to start the flow of purge gas through the regulator.

2. Adjust the pressure regulator for the spectrometer until the gauge indicates that the pressure is 5
psig (34 kPa).

1. Set accessory flow

2. Set accessory pressure

3. Set spectrometer flow

4. Set spectrometer pressure

3. Set the flowmeter for the spectrometer to 1 scfh (0.47 l/min).

4. If you are using an accessory that is purged, set the purge gas controls for the accessory as
indicated below.

l Accessory pressure, 5 psig (34 kPa)

l Accessory flow: 4 –10 scfh (1.9 – 4.7 l/min)

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Options and Accessories

NOTICE

Flow rates greater than recommended values can cause vibration, which can affect the quality
of your data.

Check and Change the Purge Gas Filter


Replace the purge filter when it is yellow, or otherwise discolored, or if it is contaminated with debris
or foreign particles.

NOTICE
We recommend maintaining seal and desiccation and/or purging the instrument at all times.
Equipment damage due to failure to maintain seal and desiccation and/or purge is not covered
under the warranty. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact us.

Figure 3-1: The purge filter is located inside of the plastic bowl below the pressure gauge

Note To order parts, contact Technical Support.

❖ To change the purge gas filter

1. Turn off the purge gas at the main valve. Do not turn down the flowmeter or the pressure reg-
ulator.

2. Remove the plastic bowl that houses the filter and then remove the filter. (You can unscrew them
both by hand.)

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Options and Accessories

3. Install the new filter and then reinstall the bowl.

4. Open the main valve to turn on the purge flow to the instrument and verify proper purge gas flow
rate.

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Chapter 4

Maintenance
Your Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer requires little upkeep and no daily maintenance. However,
basic care will ensure continued peak performance.

Maintenance Schedule for the Summit Spectrometer 54

Align the Spectrometer Optics 57

Calibrate the Laser Frequency 58

Clean the Spectrometer and Touchscreen 59

Replace the Desiccant 61

Replace the Source 67

Install the Touchscreen Monitor 72

Replace the Sample Compartment Windows 80

Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide 53


Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule for the Summit


Spectrometer
Your Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer requires little upkeep and no daily
maintenance. However, basic care will ensure continued peak performance. Follow the guidelines in
this article. For best performance, leave the spectrometer powered on.

NOTICE
Static electricity can permanently damage critical components in your spectrometer. To help
prevent such damage, follow these recommendations:

l Before you disconnect the power supply, discharge any static electricity you may have accu-
mulated by touching the spectrometer’s metal base.

l Leave replacement parts in their protective packaging until you are ready to install them in the
instrument.

Weekly Maintenance
VERIFY THE SPECTROMETER PERFORMANCE

The OMNIC Paradigm software includes qualification and performance verification (PV) workflows
for your Summit spectrometer. The qualification workflows are standard industry-wide qualification
tests you most likely recognize (for example, European Pharmacopoeia, Japanese Pharmacopoeia,
etc.). The PV workflow runs a series of standard tests to verify instrument operation and ensure the
accuracy of your data. Any required reference standards are supplied inside the instrument and
controlled by the OMNIC Paradigm software.

We recommend that you run the PV workflow or your preferred qualification workflow at least once a
week.

CLEAN THE SPECTROMETER

The spectrometer and touchscreen can be cleaned only as recommended. See "Clean the
Spectrometer and Touchscreen".

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Maintenance

Monthly Maintenance
CHECK THE HUMIDITY INDICATOR

The spectrometer’s optical components can be easily damaged by excessive moisture in the air. The
spectrometer is sealed and its components are protected by two desiccant canisters that absorb
moisture. Monitor the instrument humidity in OMNIC Paradigm software.

The spectrometer’s optical components can be easily damaged by excessive moisture in the air. The
spectrometer is sealed and its components are protected by two desiccant canisters that absorb
moisture. A humidity indicator located here monitors the humidity level inside the spectrometer.

You can also monitor the humidity through OMNIC Paradigm software. In the Desktop interface, click
the instrument icon to view the system status, or in the Touchscreen interface, select the Diagnostics
icon. The humidity level is listed in the Environment section.

Figure 4-1: Location of Humidity Indicator

Check the humidity indicator at least once a month and change the desiccant canisters when needed
(see the table below), or purchase and install a purge kit. See "Install and Maintain a Purge Kit" for
more information.

Table 1 - Humidity Indicator States and Recommendations

Humidity Indicator
Meaning Action
State

Blue Desiccant is fully charged None

Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide 55


Maintenance

Humidity Indicator
Meaning Action
State

Desiccant is becoming
saturated with moisture and
Light blue Replace the desiccant
no longer providing
sufficient protection

Replace the desiccant


Pink or white Desiccant has expired and the humidity
indicator

For more information, see "Replace the Desiccant".

NOTICE
We recommend that you keep the spectrometer sealed and desiccated, or sealed and purged with
dry air or nitrogen, at all times. Equipment damage due to failure to maintain seal and desiccation
and/or purge is not covered under the warranty. If you have questions about this requirement,
please contact us.

CHECK THE PURGE GAS FILTER

If your spectrometer is purged with nitrogen or dry air, check the purge filter at least once a month.

Replace the filter when it is yellow, or otherwise discolored, or if it is contaminated with debris or
foreign particles. For more information, see "Check and Change the Purge Gas Filter".

Figure 4-2: The purge filter is located inside of the plastic bowl below the pressure gauge

56 Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide Thermo Scientific


Maintenance

Align the Spectrometer Optics


Align your spectrometer’s optics if a qualification workflow, such as the Nicolet FTIR - Factory
Qualification workflow, indicates a failing test. Aligning the spectrometer optimizes the energy that
reaches the detector and maximizes the detector signal. If a performance or qualification test fails,
align the spectrometer’s optics, calibrate the laser frequency, and run the test again. If the test still
fails, contact your local technical support representative for help.

❖ To align the spectrometer optics (touchscreen interface)

1. On the home screen, select the Diagnostics icon [ ] to open the diagnostics view.

2. Open the Align tab and select Align.

The system automatically aligns the spectrometer and indicates when alignment is complete.

❖ To align the spectrometer optics (operator interface)

1. Navigate to the Administrator area, select the Diagnostics icon [ ] to open the diagnostics
view.

2. Open the Align tab and select Align.

The system automatically aligns the spectrometer and indicates when alignment is complete.

❖ To align the spectrometer optics (desktop interface)

1. Select Acquire Data > Diagnostics > Align Spectrometer.

2. In the Align Spectrometer dialog, click Start.

The system automatically aligns the spectrometer and indicates when alignment is complete.

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Maintenance

Calibrate the Laser Frequency


Calibrate your laser frequency if a qualification workflow, such as the Nicolet FTIR - Factory
Qualification workflow, indicates a failing test. When a test fails, first align the spectrometer, then
calibrate the laser frequency and run the test again. If the test still fails, contact your local technical
support representative for help.

❖ To calibrate the laser (touchscreen interface)

1. On the home screen, select the Diagnostics icon [ ] to open the Diagnostics view.

2. Open the Laser Calibration tab and select Calibrate to begin.

When laser calibration is complete, a message indicates whether the laser frequency has been
changed and displays the new frequency.

❖ To calibrate the laser (operator interface)

1. Navigate to the Administrator area, and select the Diagnostics icon [ ] to open the Dia-
gnostics view.

2. Open the Laser Calibration tab and select Calibrate to begin.

When laser calibration is complete, a message indicates whether the laser frequency has been
changed and displays the new frequency.

❖ To calibrate the laser (desktop interface)

1. Select Acquire Data > Diagnostics > Laser Calibration.

2. In the Laser Calibration dialog box, click Start to calibrate the laser.

When the system is finished calibrating the laser, a message indicates whether the frequency
was changed and displays the new frequency.

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Maintenance

Clean the Spectrometer and Touchscreen


Before cleaning theThermo Scientific Nicolet Summit spectrometer, turn it off and disconnect the
power supply.

Clean the Summit Spectrometer


Gently clean the exterior of the instrument with a soft, clean cloth lightly dampened with mild soap.

Dust can collect on the electronics enclosure on the back of the instrument and can potentially
interfere with heat dissipation, which may reduce the lifetime of the electronic components.

To remove dust from the back of the instrument, use compressed air to blow the dust off. Do not use
any liquid when removing dust from the back of the spectrometer.

CAUTION

Avoid shock hazard. To avoid shock hazard, do not allow liquid to run
into the power supply or the back of the instrument.

NOTICE
Do not use harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals, or abrasives; these can damage the finish. Do
not allow liquid to contact any windows in the sample compartment.

NOTICE
Windows can be scratched and ruined very easily. Do not touch or attempt to clean them. Dust will
not affect the signal, but fingerprints can degrade the performance of the instrument and
permanently damage mirrors or windows. If you wish to remove dust from a mirror or window, blow
it off with a gentle stream of clean, dry air or nitrogen. Never allow any liquid to come into contact
with a window or optical component in the instrument.

Clean the Touchscreen


To clean the back and sides of the touchscreen device, use a soft, clean cloth lightly dampened with
mild soap.

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Maintenance

To clean the screen, apply window or glass cleaner to a clean cloth or sponge, and gently wipe the
screen with the cloth.

NOTICE
Do not use alcohol (methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl), thinner, benzene, or other abrasive cleaners.

Never apply the cleaner directly to the touchscreen.

60 Nicolet Summit Spectrometer User Guide Thermo Scientific


Maintenance

Replace the Desiccant


If your instrument is not equipped with a purge kit, or if the purge is turned off, you must monitor the
humidity level inside the spectrometer. Replace the desiccant when the paper humidity indicator
turns pink (can be light pink or almost white). Replace the paper humidity indicator each time you
replace the desiccant.

Replacing the desiccant requires you to remove the desiccant cartridge and replace the desiccant
canisters and the O-ring.

TOOLS NEEDED

Before you begin, you will need the following:

l Desiccant replacement kit

l A 0.05-inch hex key

l A #2 Phillips head screwdriver

l Gloves, finger cots, or laboratory tissue (to handle the humidity indicator)

WARNING
Avoid explosion hazard.
Before opening the desiccant compartment, turn off the instrument power,
unplug the power cord and remove all accessories and samples from the
system. Entry of flammable liquids or gases into the desiccant compartment is
an explosion hazard. If such entry occurs, contact us immediately and do not
apply power to the instrument until the condition has been corrected.

NOTICE
Make sure nothing falls into the instrument while the desiccant cover is removed.

WARNING

Replace the desiccant only with replacement parts supplied by us.

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Maintenance

❖ To replace the desiccant

1. Turn off the spectrometer.

a. To turn off the spectrometer, press the power button.

b. Unplug the power cord.

c. Turn off the purge, if applicable, and disconnect the purge line to the instrument and any
accessory.

Note You can use either desiccant cartridge (with or without the purge connector) to
maintain the required humidity. The illustrations below show the nonpurged version of the
desiccant cartridge. The instructions for replacing the desiccant canisters are the same for
both cartridges.

2. Remove the desiccant cartridge.

a. Remove any installed accessory and all samples from the instrument.

b. Use the #2 Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws from the desiccant
cartridge, and lift the cartridge straight up and out of the instrument.

c. Remove and discard the large O-ring.

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Maintenance

Note Be careful to not drop the O-ring into the desiccant compartment.

3. Remove the desiccant canisters and replace the humidity indicator.

WARNING

The contents of the desiccant canisters (hydrated metal aluminosilicate


molecular sieve) could be harmful if ingested. If you discard the saturated
desiccant canisters, make sure they are properly disposed of.

a. Use the 0.05-inch hex key to loosen (approximately two turns) the eight screws that hold the
two saturated desiccant canisters to the desiccant cartridge. Remove the canisters.

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Maintenance

1. Desiccant cartridge

2. Remove these screws (four on each side)

3. Desiccant canisters

b. Turn the desiccant cartridge upside down and peel the old humidity indicator off the window.
Discard the used indicator.

NOTICE

Always wear lab gloves or finger cots, or use laboratory tissue, when handling a new
humidity indicator. Oil or moisture from skin can discolor the indicator.

4. Install the new desiccant canisters.

a. Open the sealed packet that contains the new desiccant (must be sealed to maintain the
desiccant) and remove the new humidity indicator.

b. Turn the desiccant cartridge upside down and press the blue indicator onto the window so that
the flat edges of the indicator are aligned with the edges of the cartridge. The text should be
visible through the window when you turn the cartridge right side up.

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Maintenance

NOTICE

Make sure that the indicator is pressed tightly against the window so that it does not come
loose in the desiccant compartment when you reinstall the cartridge.

c. Insert the canisters into the channel of the desiccant cartridge and tighten the eight screws
(approximately 2 turns) until they are flush with the cartridge channel.

5. Insert the desiccant cartridge.

a. Remove the new O-ring from the packet and install it on the instrument base plate.

Press, rather than roll, the new O-ring into place to be sure it is properly seated in the groove.

b. Insert the desiccant cartridge into the spectrometer so that the text on the humidity indicator
can be read by someone standing in front of the instrument.

Make sure the cartridge is seated properly over the O-ring and then use the #2 Phillips head
screwdriver to tighten the two captive screws.

6. Turn on the spectrometer.

a. Plug in the power cord to the instrument and turn on the power.

b. Reconnect the purge line to the instrument, if applicable, and turn on the purge.

7. Verify the spectrometer’s performance.

Before taking the following steps, make sure there is not a sampling accessory in the sampling
compartment.

a. Align the spectrometer optics.

i. From the dashboard of OMNIC Paradigm software, go to Acquire Data > Diagnostics
> Align Spectrometer.

ii. Select Start to begin alignment. The screen says "Align complete" when alignment has fin-
ished successfully.

b. Calibrate the laser.

i. Go to Acquire Data > Diagnostics > Laser Calibration.

ii. Select Start to begin calibration.

Laser calibration may take several minutes to complete. When calibration is finished, the
display shows "Measurement complete" and indicates any change in laser frequency.

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Maintenance

The instrument takes up to 12 hours to come to thermal equilibrium. For best results, re-run
alignment and calibration after the first 12 hours of operation.

c. Run the Nicolet FTIR – Factory Qualification workflow. Performance verification and
qualification workflows use a polystyrene reference material inside the spectrometer to run a
series of standard tests to verify your instrument operation and to ensure the accuracy of your
data.

i. Return to the Dashboard.

ii. Scroll to the Workflows pane and select Nicolet FTIR - Factory Qualification.

iii. Right click the workflow and select Run to start the workflow.

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Maintenance

Replace the Source


The IR source is easily accessible from the bottom of the spectrometer and can be replaced without
having to remove the spectrometer’s cover.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED

l A #1 Phillips head screwdriver

l Source Replacement Kit

CAUTION

Before replacing the source, turn off the instrument. Replace the source
only with replacement parts supplied by us.

❖ To replace the source

1. Turn off and disconnect the spectrometer.

a. Turn off the instrument and unplug the power cord.

b. Disconnect any cables from the instrument, such as the Ethernet cable or USB devices.

c. If the spectrometer or an installed accessory is purged, disconnect the purge lines from the
spectrometer and the accessory (quick connect fittings stop the flow automatically). See
"Install and Maintain a Purge Kit" for more information.

d. Remove any installed accessories from the instrument.

CAUTION

Avoid burn hazard.

The source becomes extremely hot while you are using the instrument.
Wait at least 10 minutes after turning the instrument off before you
perform the next step.

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2. Remove the source.

a. If your spectrometer has the touchscreen monitor attached, move the monitor to the storage
position, as show in Figure 1.

Figure 4-3: Summit PRO spectrometer with touchscreen monitor in the storage position

b. Carefully tip the instrument back until it rests on the fins of the heat sink. Do not use the
touchscreen monitor to support the weight of the spectrometer.

c. Use a #1 Phillips head screwdriver to fully loosen the three captive screws that hold the
source in place.

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d. Swing the bale out. Steady the instrument with one hand and pull firmly on the bale to pull the
source straight out of the instrument.

NOTICE

Never touch a source element with your bare fingers. Skin oils or other deposits on the element
will shorten its life. Always use clean finger cots, gloves, or clean laboratory tissue when
handling a source element.

3. Insert the new source.

a. Make sure the three captive screws are straight and then slowly insert the source into the
cavity until the source mount is flush with the instrument.

b. Tighten the screws to secure the source and snap the bale into its storage position.

4. Reconnect and power on the spectrometer.

a. Carefully return the instrument to its upright position and reconnect any cables you removed.

b. Replace the desiccant. See "Replace the Desiccant" for instructions.

Because the internal optics are exposed to the atmosphere when removing the source, the
desiccant should always be replaced after replacing the source.

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WARNING

Avoid shock hazard.

To ensure a good ground connection and avoid shock hazard, do not use
an outlet that is connected to a conduit ground. The ground must be a
noncurrent-carrying wire connected to earth ground at the main distribution
box.

c. Plug in the power cord to the instrument and press the power button to turn on the
spectrometer.

Note Do not install any sampling accessing until after you have aligned the spectrometer
and verified its performance

5. Verify the spectrometer’s performance.

Before taking the following steps, make sure there is not a sampling accessory in the sampling
compartment.

a. Align the spectrometer optics.

i. From the dashboard of OMNIC Paradigm software, go to Acquire Data > Diagnostics
> Align Spectrometer.

ii. Select Start to begin alignment. The screen says "Align complete" when alignment has fin-
ished successfully.

b. Calibrate the laser.

i. Go to Acquire Data > Diagnostics > Laser Calibration.

ii. Select Start to begin calibration.

Laser calibration may take several minutes to complete. When calibration is finished, the
display shows "Measurement complete" and indicates any change in laser frequency.

The instrument takes up to 12 hours to come to thermal equilibrium. For best results, re-run
alignment and calibration after the first 12 hours of operation.

c. Run the Nicolet FTIR – Factory Qualification workflow. Performance verification and
qualification workflows use a polystyrene reference material inside the spectrometer to run a
series of standard tests to verify your instrument operation and to ensure the accuracy of your
data.

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i. Return to the Dashboard.

ii. Scroll to the Workflows pane and select Nicolet FTIR - Factory Qualification.

iii. Right click the workflow and select Run to start the workflow.

6. Replace any accessories that you removed earlier.

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Install the Touchscreen Monitor


Install the touchscreen monitor to save space in your lab and to take full advantage of OMNIC
Paradigm software for touchscreen for quickly executing workflows and carrying out routine
procedures.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED

l Touchscreen monitor installation kit

l Touchscreen monitor, with mount

l New WiFi compartment cover with notch

l 9/64-inch hex driver

Time needed: 25 minutes or less

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❖ To install the touchscreen monitor

1. Prepare the spectrometer.

a. Press the power button to turn off the spectrometer and then unplug the power cord.

b. Turn off the purge, if applicable, and disconnect the purge line to the instrument and any
accessory.

c. Remove any accessory from the sample compartment.

2. Remove the WiFi compartment cover from the back of the spectrometer.

While standing in front of the spectrometer, gently squeeze the left side of the cover and lift the
cover up and off of the spectrometer, as shown in Figure 1. This cover can be discarded or stored
for future use.

Figure 4-4: Gently squeeze the left side of the cover and lift it off of the spectrometer

3. Install the touchscreen monitor.

The base of the touchscreen mount attaches to the spectrometer with three captive screws, as
shown in the figure below.

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Figure 4-5: The base fits over three pre-drilled holes

a. Guide the front bottom of the mount into the compartment and then rotate the mount past the
sides of the compartment, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4-6: Position the touchscreen mount over the three pre-drilled holes

b. Using the 9/64-inch hex driver, begin tightening each of the three captive screws to ensure
that the mount is aligned over the holes. Once each screw is started, finish tightening all of the
screws until they are snug. You may have to rotate the screen out of the way to access each
screw.

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Figure 4-7: Rotate the screen out of the way if it is blocking access to the captive screw

4. Connect and position the three cables.

The touchscreen monitor connects to the spectrometer with three cables: an HDMI cable, a USB
cable, and the power cable. We recommend routing the cables in the sequence described below
to ensure that the cover sits properly over the cables.

a. Plug the thin power cable into the power port and then lay the cable along the guides running
along the top of the compartment, as shown in the figure below.

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Figure 4-8: The three cables wrap behind the spectrometer’s sample compartment

b. Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI port, but leave the cable outside of the cable guides for
now. Slide the ferrite choke as close as possible to the HDMI port.

c. Plug in the USB cable and lay the cable on top of the thinner power cable in the cable guides.

d. Tuck the coiled portion of the HDMI cable into the compartment in front of the base of the
touchscreen mount, as shown in Figure 6. It may be easier to roll the cable into place rather
than pushing it.

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Figure 4-9: Tuck the extra length of HDMI cable in front of the touchscreen mount

e. Lay the HDMI cable on top of the USB and power cables in the cable guides, and tuck any
excess cable in front of the touchscreen mount.

If you have a Summit PRO spectrometer, route the HDMI cable between two of the vertical
fins of the heat sink.

The HDMI cable should fit tightly along the side of the touchscreen mount. Excess or loose
cable can obstruct the compartment cover and prevent the cover from closing.

Figure 4-10: The three cables fit in the cable guides along the back of the spectrometer

5. Install the new cover and turn on the spectrometer.

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a. Insert the tabs on the cover’s right edge into the slots in front of the touchscreen mount, and
then lower the cover over the cables and press the cover down until it snaps into place. There
should be only a thin, uniform gap between the covers.

Figure 4-11: Position the cover around the touchscreen mount first, then lower it into place

WARNING

Avoid shock hazard.

To ensure a good ground connection and avoid shock hazard, do not


use an outlet that is connected to a conduit ground. The ground must
be a noncurrent-carrying wire connected to earth ground at the main
distribution box.

b. Plug in and power on the spectrometer.

c. To turn on the touchscreen, press the power button on the rear side of the monitor.

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Congratulations. Your touchscreen monitor is installed and ready for use. With the touchscreen
monitor installed, you can open OMNIC Paradigm software and switch to the touchscreen interface
for a convenient, streamlined experience.

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Replace the Sample Compartment Windows


The Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer has windows on both sides of the sample
compartment that seal the instrument from moisture and other contaminants but allow the infrared
beam to enter and exit the sample compartment. The windows should always be installed, even if
your system is purged with dry air or nitrogen.

WARNING
Avoid fire and explosion hazard.

The infrared source inside the instrument is an ignition source. If you are using
volatile solvents, provide a fume hood or other active venting system that is
free of spark and other ignition sources and prevents flammable vapors from
collecting in the atmosphere surrounding the instrument.

We install potassium bromide (KBr) windows at the factory and run all of our operating and
performance tests with the windows installed. The KBr windows are hygroscopic but have a
protective coating. On this spectrometer, they provide a working spectral range between
8,000 and 350 cm-1 with no significant optical absorptions lines.

For optimal spectrometer performance, the sample compartment windows must be clear (not cloudy)
and clean (no dust or fingerprints). If your windows become contaminated, the spectrometer may fail
performance and qualification tests. You can order new windows from us and install them yourself
using the instructions below.

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NOTICE
l Replace sample compartment windows only with replacement parts supplied by us.

l Do not allow liquids to come into contact with the windows.

l Windows can be scratched and ruined very easily. Do not touch or attempt to clean them. Dust
will not affect the signal, but fingerprints can degrade the performance of the instrument and
permanently damage mirrors or windows. If you wish to remove dust from a mirror or window,
blow it off with a gentle stream of clean, dry air or nitrogen. (Do not use compressed air from a
can; contaminants may cause damage.)

l Leave new windows in their protective packaging until you are ready to insert them in the spec-
trometer.

l If you remove working KBr or ZnSe windows from the spectrometer, immediately place them in
the provided protective packaging (includes desiccant) and seal the package securely.

l KBr windows are clear; ZnSe windows are yellow.

Tools needed:

Nicolet Summit ZnSe (or KBr) replacement windows kit

The kit includes the following items:

l ZnSe (or KBr) replacement windows (2)

l Window replacement tool

l Protective packaging (includes desiccant) for storing unused windows

l Nitrile gloves

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❖ To replace sample compartment windows

1. Turn off the spectrometer.

Note If your instrument is purged, leave the purge on while you replace the windows to prevent
ambient air from entering the spectrometer.

2. Remove any sampling accessory from the spectrometer.

3. Remove the first installed window.

a. Line up the three ribs on the window replacement tool’s inside rim with the notches in the
outside rim of the first installed window.

Note The window fittings are tight. Use one hand to stabilize the instrument and the other
to remove the window.

b. Press firmly on the tool and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the window.

Continue loosening the window until it is free. If you tip the tool upward, it will support the
window so you don’t have to handle it directly.

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NOTICE

Use nitrile gloves to handle the window and handle it by the rims only. (Avoid touching the
window surfaces even when wearing gloves.)

c. If the window is still usable, grasp it by the plastic ring and carefully place it in the provided
package (with desiccant). Store the package someplace that is clean and dry.

4. Install the new window.

a. Grasp the new window by the plastic ring and carefully place it in the window replacement tool
with the window threads facing up.

b. Rotate the window until the three notches in its outside rim line up with the ribs on the tool’s
inside rim.

c. Reversing the removal procedure above, tip the tool and window just enough to place the
window over the opening in the spectrometer.

d. While maintaining light pressure against the spectrometer wall, slowly turn the tool clockwise
to ensure the window’s threads are engaged properly.

NOTICE

The window should turn easily at the start; if it doesn’t, reverse the direction of rotation and
restart the insertion to avoid stripping the threads.

e. Continue rotating the tool clockwise until you feel the O-ring compress, plus 1/8 turn more.

5. Repeat steps 3 through 4 above to replace the second window.

6. Turn on the instrument power and start OMNIC Paradigm software.

7. Verify the spectrometer’s performance.

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Before taking the following steps, make sure there is not a sampling accessory in the sampling
compartment.

a. Align the spectrometer optics.

i. From the dashboard of OMNIC Paradigm software, go to Acquire Data > Diagnostics
> Align Spectrometer.

ii. Select Start to begin alignment. The screen says "Align complete" when alignment has fin-
ished successfully.

b. Calibrate the laser.

i. Go to Acquire Data > Diagnostics > Laser Calibration.

ii. Select Start to begin calibration.

Laser calibration may take several minutes to complete. When calibration is finished, the
display shows "Measurement complete" and indicates any change in laser frequency.

The instrument takes up to 12 hours to come to thermal equilibrium. For best results, re-run
alignment and calibration after the first 12 hours of operation.

c. Run the Nicolet FTIR – Factory Qualification workflow. Performance verification and
qualification workflows use a polystyrene reference material inside the spectrometer to run a
series of standard tests to verify your instrument operation and to ensure the accuracy of your
data.

i. Return to the Dashboard.

ii. Scroll to the Workflows pane and select Nicolet FTIR - Factory Qualification.

iii. Right click the workflow and select Run to start the workflow.

8. If you use operational qualification (OQ) tests to track instrument performance, we recommend
that you rerun your chosen OQ test after the sample compartment windows have been replaced
(especially if you changed the window type). See the article titled “Qualify the Summit
Spectrometer” in the online help for more information.

9. Replace any accessories you removed earlier on the spectrometer.

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